Patents by Inventor Wesley Hoffman

Wesley Hoffman has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20080105556
    Abstract: The present invention relates, generally, to a method and apparatus for electrowinning metals, and more particularly to a method and apparatus for copper electrowinning using the ferrous/ferric anode reaction and a flow-through anode, such as, for example, a dimensionally stable carbon, carbon composite, metal-graphite, or stainless steel anode. In general, the use of a flow-through anode—coupled with an effective electrolyte circulation system—enables the efficient and cost-effective operation of a copper electrowinning system employing the ferrous/ferric anode reaction at a total cell voltage of less than about 1.5 V and at current densities of greater than about 26 Amps per square foot (about 280 A/m2), and reduces acid mist generation. Furthermore, the use of such a system permits the use of low ferrous iron concentrations and optimized electrolyte flow rates as compared to prior art systems while producing high quality, commercially saleable product (i.e.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Publication date: May 8, 2008
    Applicant: PHELPS DODGE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Scot Sandoval, Paul Cook, Wesley Hoffman, Timothy Robinson
  • Publication number: 20080047839
    Abstract: The present invention relates, generally, to a method and apparatus for electrowinning metals, and more particularly to a method and apparatus for copper electrowinning using the ferrous/ferric anode reaction and a flow-through anode, such as, for example, a dimensionally stable carbon, carbon composite, metal-graphite, or stainless steel anode. In general, the use of a flow-through anode—coupled with an effective electrolyte circulation system—enables the efficient and cost-effective operation of a copper electrowinning system employing the ferrous/ferric anode reaction at a total cell voltage of less than about 1.5 V and at current densities of greater than about 26 Amps per square foot (about 280 A/m2), and reduces acid mist generation. Furthermore, the use of such a system permits the use of low ferrous iron concentrations and optimized electrolyte flow rates as compared to prior art systems while producing high quality, commercially saleable product (i.e.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Applicant: PHELPS DODGE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Scot Sandoval, Paul Cook, Wesley Hoffman, Timothy Robinson
  • Publication number: 20060271985
    Abstract: A device and method for an interactive cable television system is described. A hardware peripheral device is associated with a modem in communication with a computer network. The peripheral device receives data from a user for communication via the computer network to a cable television network head end to control a television information signal delivered from the cable television network directly to a user television.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2004
    Publication date: November 30, 2006
    Inventors: Wesley Hoffman, Gary Lauder
  • Publication number: 20060226024
    Abstract: The present invention relates, generally, to a method and apparatus for electrowinning metals, and more particularly to a method and apparatus for copper electrowinning using the ferrous/ferric anode reaction and a flow-through anode, such as, for example, a dimensionally stable carbon, carbon composite, metal-graphite, or stainless steel anode. In general, the use of a flow-through anode—coupled with an effective electrolyte circulation system—enables the efficient and cost-effective operation of a copper electrowinning system employing the ferrous/ferric anode reaction at a total cell voltage of less than about 1.5 V and at current densities of greater than about 26 Amps per square foot (about 280 A/m2), and reduces acid mist generation. Furthermore, the use of such a system permits the use of low ferrous iron concentrations and optimized electrolyte flow rates as compared to prior art systems while producing high quality, commercially saleable product (i.e.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2005
    Publication date: October 12, 2006
    Applicant: PHELPS DODGE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Scot Sandoval, Paul Cook, Wesley Hoffman, Timothy Robinson
  • Publication number: 20060081525
    Abstract: New fluid separation devices and absorption materials are disclosed. Axially slotted hollow fibers act as very high efficiency absorption materials, as well as high-surface-area fluid separation devices. The slotted fibers are constructed to preferentially absorb or repel different fluids and arranged to maximize that action over a plurality of fibers to separate different fluids. These separation devices can also function as injection devices and very effective micro-reactors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2005
    Publication date: April 20, 2006
    Inventors: Alex Lobovsky, Wesley Hoffman, Phillip Wapner
  • Publication number: 20060021880
    Abstract: The present invention relates, generally, to a method and apparatus for electrowinning metals, and more particularly to a method and apparatus for copper electrowinning using the ferrous/ferric anode reaction and a flow-through anode, such as, for example, a dimensionally stable carbon, carbon composite, metal-graphite, or stainless steel anode. In general, the use of a flow-through anode—coupled with an effective electrolyte circulation system—enables the efficient and cost-effective operation of a copper electrowinning system employing the ferrous/ferric anode reaction at a total cell voltage of less than about 1.5 V and at current densities of greater than about 26 Amps per square foot (about 280 A/m2), and reduces acid mist generation. Furthermore, the use of such a system permits the use of low ferrous iron concentrations and optimized electrolyte flow rates as compared to prior art systems while producing high quality, commercially saleable product (i.e.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2005
    Publication date: February 2, 2006
    Inventors: Scot Sandoval, Paul Cook, Wesley Hoffman, Timothy Robinson